Questions for the Silver Phoenix Society
February 22nd 2018, I sent a list of 78 preliminary questions to the email [email protected]. That email has not been replied to yet. I know that Silver Phoenix Society has issues a large document with the answers to those questions. Below are the questions I sent in, the answers posted to Silver Phoenix Society’s page, and my responses. My questions will be in bold text, Silver Phoenix Society’s answers will be in italics. My follow up responses and potential additional questions will be offset and marked follow ups.
First off, I would like to mention that I was told to email those questions and a response would come within 48 hours. That original email has not been replied to, someone responded from [email protected], that response amounted to verifying the amount of questions asked, again promising to answer these questions quickly, and also asking if I wanted to remain anonymous. I did not reply because I had no idea if this email was working with the questions email or if it was separate. In my experience, when a professional company is going to switch emails and introduce a new contact they usually use the old email to help the customer understand the transition. I responded on Monday 2/26 to the original email I sent to [email protected] asking that responses to these questions be sent to my personal email, using the questions account, and if Silver Phoenix Society wishes to include a new email address for answers to please use my original thread to converse because I shouldn’t have to sort through my mail system to find emails from many different Silver Phoenix Society members just to get some simple questions answered.
Who is managing this email account, what is their name?
If you are referring to [email protected], it is Michael Whitehouse.
I sent this question in to the email [email protected], obviously I’m referring to that. Follow up question, is Michael Whitehouse going to be the ONLY person interacting with that email account? If so, why not just direct questions to [email protected]?
Who is the Volunteer Coordinator?
This was a position from the previous organization. The Silver Phoenix Society has a Board of Trustees with charters events. In the charter, the chair is specified. The Board may also specify other key roles. Beyond the charter, it is at the discretion of the chair to select staff within restrictions provided by the Board (the Board can create a no-hire list for various reasons). At this moment, as stated in our minutes from our first meeting. We have chartered Steampunk Worlds Fair to be chaired by Ms. Shipps and Steampunk in the Catskills to the chaired by Mrs. Whitehouse. We also designated Eddie to be head of vending for Steampunk Worlds Fair. A volunteer coordinator has not been selected for Steampunk Worlds Fair at this time. There is a volunteer application on the SPWF page which people can fill out, but that information is currently being stored for future use. In order to assign volunteers, other department heads need to have a sufficiently fleshed out plan to know their volunteer needs. The volunteer application is presently on the Just Magical Events page because the Steampunk Worlds Fair page we are working as quickly as possible to remove all previous ownership from the current site. It is a very large and complex web site this process will take time. Our main priority at the moment has been to make sure our paperwork is in order, getting our staff in place and event planning back on schedule.
Since Ms. Shipps ran Just Magical Events, the organization that ran Wicked Faire: Reborn, can she state who was the vendor coordinator for Wicked Faire: Reborn 2018? If SPS has acquired the IP for Wicked Faire does that include a list of previous volunteer coordinators for Wicked Faire in the past years? Can SPS list those names publicly? If SPS has acquired the IP for The Steampunk World’s Fair does that include a list of the previous volunteer coordinators for the past years? Can SPS list those names publicly? If SPS has acquired the IP for Steampunk in the Catskills does that include a list of the previous volunteer coordinators for the past years? Can SPS list those names publicly? If SPS has acquired the IP for Halloween in the Catskills does that include a list of the previous volunteer coordinators for the past years? Can SPS list those names publicly? How is SPS handling approved volunteers for The Steampunk World’s Fair 2018? Who is managing those volunteers that have already been selected and assigned jobs? How is the information collected from the volunteer applications being stored at this time? Who has access to the volunteer application information? When will people who have submitted volunteer applications for this event be notified that they have been accepted and what their job will be? Who is doing that notification? How many departments will there be for The Steampunk World’s Fair? Can SPS name all departments in relation to The Steampunk World’s Fair? Which of these departments has a head of department already in place? Which of these departments has a “sufficiently fleshed out plan to know their volunteer needs”? This part of the answer, “. The volunteer application is presently on the Just Magical Events page because the Steampunk Worlds Fair page we are working as quickly as possible to remove all previous ownership from the current site. It is a very large and complex web site this process will take time. Our main priority at the moment has been to make sure our paperwork is in order, getting our staff in place and event planning back on schedule.” is not understandable, can someone please explain what is meant in this specific quote? Eddie, as head of vending for The Steampunk World’s Fair, do you currently have any volunteers under your control? Eddie, as head of vending for The Steampunk World’s Fair do you currently have anyone under your control? Eddie as head of vending for the Steampunk World’s Fair, do you have a sufficiently fleshed out plan to know your volunteer needs? Eddie, as head of vending for The Steampunk World’s Fair, what is that sufficiently fleshed out plan and when did you begin working on that plan? Eddie, as previous head of vending for Just Magical Events and Jeff Mach Events, how did you go about getting volunteers for your department? Eddie, as head of vending for Just Magical Events and Jeff Mach Events, how many volunteers were you assigned for each event you worked? Eddie, as head of Vending for Just Magical Events and Jeff Mach Events, how many unpaid staff positions were underneath your position and did were you expected to consider yourself their “boss” or superior? Eddie, as head of vending for The Steampunk World’s Fair, do you interact with anyone at Silver Phoenix Society who is performing the duties of someone who would be considered a coordinator for volunteer services? If the previous answer is in any way an affirmative answer, please list any names of any individuals that you are interacting with who may be performing the duties of someone could be considered a coordinator for volunteer services.
Who has been the Volunteer Coordinator for the last five years?
The Silver Phoenix Society has never had a Volunteer Coordinator. The Silver Phoenix Society was established as a Non-Profit organization on February 19th, 2018.
Does the Silver Phoenix Society have access to the records for both Just Magical Events and Jeff Mach Events? Do those records indicate who has previously held that position for the last five years?
Is there a volunteer expectations list available yet?
There is not.
What is currently expected of volunteers working for Silver Phoenix Society? Should volunteers who were previously accepted as working Steampunk World’s Fair for either Jeff Mach Events or Just Magical Events consider themselves now volunteers for The Steampunk World’s Fair being put on by Silver Phoenix Society? Are there people as of 2/18/18 who had been accepted as volunteers for The Steampunk World’s Fair? Are those volunteers now under the purview of Silver Phoenix Society? Are those volunteers being managed or coordinated in any way? By whom? Since there is no volunteer coordinator for Silver Phoenix Society at this time, should potential volunteers wait before submitting new volunteer applications? If the answer the the previous question directs potential volunteers to continue to submit applications, what is the reasoning behind this directive?
What was the staff structure of Jeff Mach Events before it became Just Magical Events?
Any questions about how previous ownership handled staff structure needs to be directed to them.
I was directed to send my questions to [email protected], I did so with the understanding that this organization, which was formed from Just Magical Events, which was rebranded from Jeff Mach Events, would be honestly and openly answering my questions. This first obvious brush off is my personal proof that something is still fishy here. I will be reclaiming my time on this question and I will ask it again. By answering this question in this way Silver Phoenix Society is forcing me to now repeat the question and add in multiple other questions for clarification. Hopefully some of those questions will be answered in ways that don’t amount to “It wasn’t us (but it was) so we don’t know”.
What is the staff structure at Silver Phoenix Society?
The structure of the Silver Phoenix Society is specified in the bylaws. The link to our governing bylaws is available in the comments. Each event is chartered by the Board of Trustees with a chair specified. Each chair may structure their staff as they find appropriate within guidelines created by the Board. Steampunk Worlds Fair is chartered to have Ms. Shipps as the chair, likely with Mrs. Whitehouse as her assistant. It is likely that each department head will report directly to Ms. Shipps, but that is still being finalized.
Then as of 2/26/28 can you please list all members of the Silver Phoenix Society’s Board of Trustees? Tammy Shipps, the company leadership listed for Just Magical Events was thus; chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, chief of vending, deputy chief of vending, chief of public safety and medical, deputy chief of public safety and medical, chief of security, deputy chief of security, chief of infodesk and merchandise, chief of marketing and special operations, is this correct? Tammy Shipps, which of those chiefs did the volunteer coordinator report to? Tammy Shipps, who was the volunteer coordinator for Wicked Faire: Reborn 2018? Tammy Shipps, as the Chief of Staff, what criteria did you use to decide which Jeff Mach Events staff members would be joining you at Just Magical Events? Tammy Shipps, will you as the chair for The Steampunk World’s Fair 2018 be assigning a volunteer coordinator? Are department heads for The Steampunk World’s Fair 2018 required to be members of the Silver Phoenix Society? If a department head is not a member of the Silver Phoenix Society would they be expected to become one at some point? If a department head is not a member of the Silver Phoenix Society, do they still have to operate under the bylaws, code of conduct, and other operating procedures set forth by the Silver Phoenix Society?
Which shows are going to be put on under the new management?
At present, Steampunk Worlds Fair and Steampunk in the Catskills have been officially chartered. We expect to charter Halloween in the Catskills and Wicked Faire at our next meeting.
What are the names of all the shows that the Silver Phoenix Society has acquired from Just Magical Events, Jeff Mach Events, Widdershins, Inc, or Jeff Mach?
Can you list all the events that Silver Phoenix Society will be taking over?
Yes. At present, Steampunk Worlds Fair and Steampunk in the Catskills have been officially chartered. We expect to charter Halloween in the Catskills and Wicked Faire at our next meeting.
This is not answered well, again, this question is concerning what events were acquired from the previous incarnations of the company.
Who manages the twitter accounts?
Ms. Shipps manages the Steampunk Worlds Fair Twitter account. There are some old inactive accounts but we don’t have access to them.
Tammy Shipps, you are the sole person in control of the Steampunk World’s Fair twitter account, in what ways are you being held accountable for what is being posted there, who is blocked, and who is added as a follower? How long has Ms. Shipps managed the Steampunk World’s Fair twitter account? Who managed the twitter account before Ms. Shipps? What is involved in the management of that account? Is this account being managed real time or is there a posting entity in place (for example is something like the computer program Sprout or others like it) being used to assist in social media presence? “There are some old inactive accounts but we don’t have access to them.” regarding this quote, please list those old inactive accounts and why don’t you have access to them?
Who is now on the "consent team"?
That is a system from previous ownership. The Silver Phoenix Society is developing a new system. The new system has three elements: The Code of Conduct, the Determination Committee, and At-Con Enforcement. The Code of Conduct and Determination Committee are currently being developed.
Is there a link to the current code of conduct? Please define At-Con Enforcement?
I am planning to create a separate Facebook group for anyone interested in discussing the many complex elements to come together and work on creating an excellent system.
The Code of Conduct lays out a clear list of guidelines of what offenses can get one removed from an event and banned from future events. When an offense occurs at an event, the chair and their designee (probably the head of security, maybe others) may eject them, assist them in calling the police or take any other appropriate action to deal with the immediate situation. The Determination Committee, on the other hand, is for what happens after the con. They investigate allegations, review evidence,determine culpability and suggest what sanction the accused should receive if they find that the accused is responsible for the act in question. While the process preserves anonymity when necessary, it provides due process and a report summarizing the evidence allowing for a much more transparent process than the previous system of secrecy and mystery.
This code of conduct is mentioned several times but I have yet to see it posted anywhere that is publicly visible. Setting up committee’s and laying down solutions before you even have your basic rules in place seems, suspect. If Silver Phoenix Society is just going to blanket adopt all policies that were previously in place at Just Magical Events and before that at Jeff Mach Events, then state that. If you are going to state that then stop putting out the narrative that you are a new company, you are the old company with another new name.
What are plans heading forward to get more people onto that team?
The consent team was from previous ownership. However, the Mediation Team and the Determination Committee, we are working out the structure and details of it. Then, we will take applications for the various positions that need to be filled.
I’m sorry, but this whole “it wasn’t us, it was the previous ownership” reads as wrong. Everyone on the current board save Daniel has been with the original company through this transition and has ended up on the final Board of Trustees at the last company in place, Silver Phoenix Society. This shell game of who was responsible may fool general ticket goers but people who are actually paying attention will sooner or later become wise to this charade.
Why is Tammy able to publicly state on a video the companies financial issues but when asked direct questions all staff replies that they are under an NDA?
I am assuming that you are referring to JME and to a time when Ms. Shipps still worked with JME. This question gets to how NDAs work. A Non Disclosure Agreement prevents and employee from sharing company information with any individual or the public without the consent of the company. If you are referring to the video prior to Wicked Faire, then at that time Ms. Shipps was the CEO of JME and had full authority for the company. The individual who had the authority to determine what could be shared on that occasion was Ms. Shipps herself. Other staff members did not have that authority. What a staff member under NDA should say in that situation is along the lines of “I’m sorry, I’m not at liberty to share that information, but you should speak to Mr. Boss who does have the authority to discuss that.” However, a private organization, whether for-profit or non-profit is under no obligation to share any financial information with the public beyond that which is required in public filings.
So the NDA that is being referred to is one that was between JME (which branding of that, Jeff Mach Events or Just Magical Events?) and it’s employees? Reading this answer I’m coming to understand that whenever questions have been asked between 1/20/18 and 2/19/18 and responses have been given that those fall under the NDA that NDA that is being referenced is one between the CEO of Jeff Mach Events or Jeff Mach Events rebranded as Just Magical Events? This answer is also saying that any answers that reference an NDA in place that were given after 1/28/18 were referencing an NDA that was in place with the CEO of Just Magical Events, who was Tammy Shipps? Was a new NDA signed when Jeff Mach Events became Just Magical Events? Who actually signed the NDA on behalf of the company Jeff Mach Events? If the CEO of a company that has an open NDA that is signed by that CEO steps down and a new CEO steps up, what happens then?
From what I can tell from this response, it is being said that Tammy Shipps became the CEO of Jeff Mach Events, then rebranded the company for two weeks as “Just Magical Events” because everything still had the “JME” on it. Finally, Tammy Shipps created the Silver Phoenix Society and became the president and treasurer of that non profit corporation.
Are these all the same NDA? Who is on each side of this NDA?
The NDA’s are company specific. Any questions concerning previous ownership NDA’s need to be addressed to them.
Tammy, Amy, Micheal, Jesse, did any of you sign an NDA with Jeff Mach Events, with Jeff Mach signing as the CEO of Jeff Mach Events? Amy, Micheal, Jesse, did any of you sign an NDA with Jeff Mach Events with Tammy Shipps signing as CEO of Jeff Mach Events? Tammy, Amy, Michael, Jesse, did any of you sign an NDA with Just Magical Events with Jeff Mach signing as Ceo of Just Magical Events? Amy, Michael, Jesse, did any of you sign an NDA with Just Magical Events with Tammy Shipps signing as CEO of Just Magical Events?
What threats of arson were found on Fetlife and how was that translated to the hotel?
As this was handed over to police to investigate, we can't comment.
You can’t even state what threats were used to fuel this investigation? That seems suspect, especially since the companies that the Silver Phoenix Society was born out of were notorious for generating misinformation that was released to the general public.
What are volunteers expected to do in exchange for their comps?
This will likely be set by the Board shortly. There is some discussion on how many hours should be required and other details. I would personally speculate that it would be between 8 and 12 hours. There also may be two levels of volunteers, one level which is the guy off the street who would pay for a ticket and get reimbursed after putting in their hours. The upper level would be known and trusted individuals who get comp in advance with faith that they will put in their hours and that they’re not just trying to get a free ticket without working. Likely the second type will have to be vouched for by staff member or maybe department head.
Tammy, Amy, Jesse, and Daniel; what should volunteers for Silver Phoenix Society be expected to do in exchange for a comp into the event they volunteer at? Michael, is everything written after “I would personally speculate” your own personal idea or does some of that become the direction that the board for Silver Phoenix Society is moving towards in relation to volunteers? Michael, Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, and Silver Phoenix Society all seem to have issues with following through on refunds, most recently the chocolate tasting that is cancelled at Steampunk World’s Fair 2018, how can potential volunteers trust that they will be reimbursed if your idea for volunteer reimbursement is implemented? Michael, additionally what criteria will Silver Phoenix Society require for vetting of those lower level volunteers? Michael, would Silver Phoenix Society feel that a staff member or head of department’s verbal guarantee is enough to meet that criteria?
Silver Phoenix Society has a complete event in 10 weeks, Silver Phoenix Society rose out of Just Magical Events. Just Magical Events put on an event in the beginning of February. Neither of these companies seems able to even give a basic definition of how many hours a volunteer would be expected to work to comp their event, they can’t even promise that volunteers at Steampunk World’s Fair will be issued a free ticket or if they will have to pay and be reimbursed. This is the most backwards way of running an event. These things should be set in stone BEFORE you start marketing for an event.
What comps are offered this year to volunteers? (In the past it was a free ticket and food room, with hardship and extra work you could get a bed in the crash room too, is this still the same?)
Each event will offer different perqs. Naturally a large event like Steampunk Worlds Fair can offer greater perqs than a small event like Steampunk in the Catskills. We will be clarifying two levels of volunteers.
What is a “perq”, is this a typo, or do you mean something like a prerequisite?
Voltaire's "female" handler, how did that come about? I gotta say for an event company that is all about inclusiveness and acceptance of a wide range of gender profiles and expressions having a performer specifically request a "female" wrangler seems off.
This statement is from Michelle, whom served at Voltaire’s Guest Liaison: “I know that some of the staff did not feel comfortable with a ‘female’ in that position and I understand why they felt that way. But I am a vigilant individual who is very aware of body language and knew that I would be able to catch even subtle signs that Voltaire was not conducting himself in a professional manner. I also felt comfortable intervening if a situation arose. Other security staff were not far and I had a walkie-talkie to communicate with them if needed (though I was within shouting, usually even talking, distance). I was the closest and most immediate pair of eyes and ears, but one sign of misbehavior and he would have been escorted out by several individuals.”
Tammy, was it clarified what Voltaire considered “female”? Tammy, when did Voltaire request this “female” handler? Does Silver Phoenix Society have any records from Just Magical Events or Jeff Mach Events that indicate that a specific gender handler was requested by any other individuals related to any of the known companies that are associated with Wicked Fair or Steampunk World’s Fair?
Is this handler going to be a paid staff person or is this a volunteer that hasn't been given the full lay of the land?
Voltaire had a handler at Wicked Faire XIII which has already gone by.
Still doesn’t actually answer the question. I’m reclaiming my time and re asking the question. Was the handler for Voltair at Wicked Faire XIII a paid staff person or a volunteer that wasn’t given the full lay of the land?
When the phrase "popcorn is on probation" is used, what does that mean?
Without knowing who used this phrase, I do not know. No one on the current Board can recall saying it. You should ask whomever it was who used the phrase
Tammy, Lucus Bonvallet used the phrase “popcorn is on probation” when answering questions about your head of security at Just Magical Events and his role at Wicked Faire:Reborn 2018, what did this mean?
Why did the new management team seem to ignore every single one of the requests that I've laid down multiple places, showcasing what steps I would like to see taken to make me feel more safe at these events?
Mrs. Whitehouse, Ms. Shipps, and I all reached out to you personally to try to engage you in conversation to discuss your concerns. I know that I reached out twice. Amy engaged with you extensively last week when she was answering questions on the old Facebook page.
Ms. Shipps reached out to me once personally, in a private message, since at that time I was given information that showed me that I could not trust her in that moment I chose to not engage with her. Mrs. Whitehouse made multiple comments publicly disparaging victims who had stepped forward and publicly announced their issues regarding Jeff Mach. I privately messaged her and she promptly blocked me. At that point I ignored Ms. Whitehouse, on the 24th she reached out to me but through facebook and since I was already blocked by her I did not see that message. When Ms. Whitehouse took over answering the questions on the Just Magical Events page she unblocked me, at that time I privately messaged her, attempting to open dialog once again with this group of people. (I should point out that I personally tried to maintain open dialog multiple times with multiple people, after about a week whoever I was speaking with would stop and then a new person would appear publicly and I would then start to have a private conversation with them. After the third time this happened I am now just willing to interact publicly) Mrs. Whitehouse messaged me and reminded me that she has a busy home life (this is also a reoccuring line that is used, as someone who also has a busy personal life I’m starting to really hate when that is used as an excuse for not communicating as a business) and that she can not respond quickly but can make time for me to speak with her. She messaged me privately on Feb. 13th and 14th and set up a time to talk in person on the 20th of February. That date has come and gone, I have had no other private contact with Mrs. Whitehouse. After the 20th, I was once again blocked and a new “voice” began posting to the new Silver Phoenix Society page. I also commented on a private post by Mr. Whitehouse, he privately messaged me in response. Interacting with Mr. Whitehouse, he had stated that his comments were about former staff members not sexual assault victims, he did mention that if Jeff had been “new” some of those accusations might be excusable. He also mentioned that up until presently he had been a low level position and had no involvement with the issues that are currently being discussed.
What is Silver Phoenix Society's actual stance on the sexual assault victims?
The Silver Phoenix Society’s stance on sexual assault victims is this; assault victims should be treated with respect and acceptance and should be believed until there is concrete evidence beyond a reasonable doubt that we should not.
What is Silver Phoenix Society’s actual stance on the sexual assault victims that were assaulted at events that your society is taking over and running in the future, what steps are being taken to prevent these issues from rising up again? Four of the five current board members signed a statement supporting Jeff Mach, I have yet to find signed publicly available statements from them supporting the victims, why is that?
What is Silver Phoenix Society doing to prevent this sort of thing from happening again? (what system is in place to prevent this from happening with someone else?)
The Silver Phoenix Society cannot speak to things that happened under previous ownership and management, However, we intend to provide the best possible events for the geek community. We can do this by appropriate planning, enforcing our bylaws, working with high caliber staff and listening to the community at large.
So, Tammy, Amy, Michael, and Jesse can not talk about something that happened at companies they used to work with and they can not promise that those things will not happen at events that their new company will put on in the future.
What is Silver Phoenix Society's stance on the reports that volunteers at events have been used as currency to make performers, vendors, and friends of event staff feel like they've been paid? (what system is in place to prevent this from happening again?
The Silver Phoenix Society is not going to allow any volunteer, guest, or talent to be utilized in anyway that is inappropriate or unacceptable by the bylaws of The Silver Phoenix Society.
What bylaws are in place that outline what is an inappropriate or unacceptable utilization of a volunteer, guest, or talent? How were those bylaws crafted? Who helped create them?
Can Silver Phoenix Society publicly state that they trust their banlist and that as of that public post the ban list is up to date and being enforced, possibly even privately messaging any known victims of people on the ban list and letting them know the event is safer?
The Silver Phoenix Society cannot trust the ban list from previous ownership. However, we are left with a problem. It will take time to form the Determination Committee whose job it will be to develop a proper and just ban list. Our intention is to adopt the Just Magical Events ban list until the better process is in place, because, while it is not good, it is the best we have available.
What is the difference between the Just Magical Events banlist and the Jeff Mach Events banlist?
Where are the profits from What Sharp Teeth going?
What Sharp Teeth is a money-losing endeavor which is not generating profits. We are continuing to run it at Steampunk Worlds Fair in fairness to the actors and musicians who have put so much time and energy to creating the show and to the fans who have purchased tickets for it and supported it’s Kickstarter. Any money it has taken in has gone to paying the costs of the production that we are aware of. If profits were to occur from the SPWF show, they would remain entirely with Silver Phoenix Society.
Will Silver Phoenix Society be presenting any of Jeff's plays, operas, musicals, creative products, at any of their future events?
No.
Wait, so you aren’t going to be putting on What Sharp Teeth and aren’t going to be hosting the Steampunk Cookbook event? Those two things are happening at Steampunk World’s Fair, which is a future event for your company. This answer is incorrect, if this one is incorrect, what other answers are incorrect?
Why was there a toddler at Wicked Faire? The event is 16 and up.
The reason that an event is made 16+ is that people want an environment where they can feel comfortable that they don’t have to inhibit their behavior for children: for example, they want to be able to swear or tell dirty jokes without having to check for kids. Many people just don’t like kids and want an environment without them. When (all ages) Glimmerdark was converted back to Wicked Faire, there was a lengthy discussion among the staff as to whether or not is should be all ages or 16+. Regardless of the decision, it would not have affected programming. Part of the choice to make it 16+ is that indicates that there is no programming for young attendees. Ultimately the decision was that the event would be marked 16+ to minimize the number of children there.
This is not an answer, I am reclaiming my time and reasking my question. WHY WAS THERE A TODDLER AT WICKED FAIRE:REBORN, THE EVENT WAS SOLD AS A 16+ EVENT. How many other underage or unticketed people were at this safe event?
Why are there people saying this toddler was part of a vending crew and others are saying she was part of staff?
I do not know who said this, nor can I comment on their motivation in doing so.
Performers and vendors who were at Wicked:Faire 2018 stated in reply to this question being asked on public pages associated with your event replied that the toddler was either a staff person or a child of a vendor, either of those responses is not acceptable and nobody from either Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, or Silver Phoenix Society clarified it well.
Is Pinnacle Buttons a vendor or a staff project run off of Infodesk?
Pinnacle Buttons is an independent project run by myself and Mrs. Whitehouse and sold through the Merch table. We own the button making equipment and it we decided that we should make buttons and sell them through the Merch table, returning a percentage to the event. As the buttons became more popular, we created a web site for people who wished to order buttons outside of events. It brings in dozens of dollars.
What percentage of the profits are given to the event? What does this translate to in dollars? Is Pinnacle Buttons considered a vendor? Are there any profitable enterprises that Tammy, Jesse, or Daniel are or will be running as independent projects that will sold as part of Silver Phoenix Society
How much money has been donated so far to save SPWF?
None has been solicited, and we do not expect that any will be needed.
I did not ask how much had been solicited. I asked how much had been donated, to any company, to save Steampunk World’s Fair.
Who is this financial manager who is going to be combing over the books and finding all the financial problems?
Silver Phoenix Society is a new organization. We have taken over an event with a number of liabilities, but our budget projections show that we will have no problem putting on an event at the same level or even higher level of quality as people are used to with the revenues and payables that we are anticipating between now and the event. Most events make the bulk of their revenues in the final 6 weeks prior to the event.
This is a misleading answer. Silver Phoenix Society is a new organization but it was built out of the ashes of Just Magical Events, everyone save one performer (who has been a performer at the events in question for years) has been staff at these events for multiple years, holding your hands up and just saying we trust we won’t go bankrupt is just silly. Most events do make the bulk of their revenue in the last six weeks, but YOUR specific event is going through a company change, a rebranding, an entire top to tails (hopefully) reorganization, and you’re putting on an event in 10 weeks. Any contracts signed before you became Silver Phoenix Society are null and void and have to be resubmitted, any agreements you have with vendors, presenters, special guests, food suppliers, and volunteers needs to be submitted with the new company as the responsible party. The website for SPWF needs reworking, you still list things like The Geeky Kink Event, you still have the JME harassment policy in place, you’re still saying that you’ve got 18+ up and 21+ up sections of the event, what is going on there, who is going to be policing that?
Please list all members of Silver Phoenix Society and please list how many years they worked for Jeff Mach Events and then Just Magical Events?
The current Silver Phoenix Society Board is:
Tammy Shipps - first volunteered in 2014, staff since 2016
Amy Whitehouse - first volunteered 2013
Michael Whitehouse - first involved 2008
Jesse Guillen - joined 2012
Daniel Miron (Greenwolf) - Performer since first Wicked Faire in 2006
Tammy, what positions did you volunteer for at which events, for Jeff Mach Events, between 2014 to 2016, and what staff positions, for Jeff Mach Events and Just Magical Events, did you take from 2016 to the present? Amy, what positions did you volunteer for at which events, for both Jeff Mach Events and Just Magical Events between 2013 to present? Michael, can you please detail all involvement and please list all staff positions and volunteer positions with Jeff Mach Events and Just Magical Events between 2008 and the present? Jesse, when it is stated you joined in 2012, what does that mean? Jesse, how did you become involved with Jeff Mach Events in 2012? Jesse, what was you title or titles at Jeff Mach Events from 2012 to the present? Daniel, as a performer, can you describe the performer application and approval process each year you submitted an application from 2006 to the present?
Also, this is just the board, I asked about members.
It was stated that seven people have been fired since the change of ownership, who were they and what was their reason for being fired?
I don’t know who stated this or to whom they are referring.
This was stated by a performer, on the now gone JME page, talking about restructuring of staff for Jeff Mach Events, to Just Magical Events, and then to Silver Phoenix Society. So, has anyone been fired since the change of ownership from Jeff Mach to Tammy Shipps, what was the reason for those firings?
Can Silver Phoenix Society actually "fire" someone who is on staff at Jeff Mach Events now Just Magical Events?
No. The Silver Phoenix Society is an entirely different organization and does not control the decisions of other companies.
Tammy, Amy, Micheal, Jesse, is it safe to say that the entire board of trustees of the Silver Phoenix Society are ex Just Magical Events staff or performers? Tammy, Amy, Micheal, Jesse, is it also safe to say that the entire board of trustees of the Silver Phoenix Society are ex Jeff Mach Events staff or performers? What differences, other than a lack of Jeff Mach are there between Jeff Mach Events and the Silver Phoenix Society?
Why are all the websites still showing Jeff's address as the location of the company?
There are a number of websites with numerous pages, many of which are interlinked in various ways. Proper branding means putting the company name everywhere, which is great normally, but it makes the process of rebranding monumental. The person in charge of the web site is currently Ms. Shipps. However, Ms. Shipps has a couple of additional roles presently, so debranding the websites has fallen in priority below incorporating the new organization, structuring Steampunk Worlds Fair, and building a programming team.
What are ALL the additional roles that Ms. Shipps has taken on herself currently?
Why are all the websites still linked to Widdershins, INC?
Ms. Shipps is currently in the process of moving the web sites but there are literally thousands of elements to move.
Does Ms. Shipps even know all the websites that are currently under the purview of Silver Phoenix Society?
Are there age limits at any of your future events?
I can say that for the two events that are chartered: Steampunk Worlds Fair is all ages and Steampunk in the Catskills is all ages.
Will there be an age limit at Wicked Faire 2019? What about the portions of Steampunk Worlds Fair that are 18+ up and 21+ up respectively?
Will all members of Silver Phoenix Society be willing to put their full legal names and faces up on the website somewhere, with their title attached?
The Silver Phoenix Society board is currently publicly listed on the Silver Phoenix Society website. Everyone who buys a ticket or otherwise legitimately acquires a badge to an SPS event is considered a General Member. At this time we do not intend to list every General Member on the website.
Can you define “legitimately acquires” in relation to becoming a general member?
There are reports of old Catskill events where performers were doing shows involving genitals and mousetraps while campground children were in the room, what steps is SPS going to take to prevent this from happening?
The Silver Phoenix Society will be providing quality events for the community at large and will not put patrons, talent, organizers or volunteers in compromising situations. On a side note, I have attended most of the Catskills events and I know of no such occurrence, nor can I find anyone else who has heard of such a thing.
Who is answering this question?
Will Wyck be coming back?
He is on the JME ban list which we are temporarily adopting until our Determination Committee is functioning. Once that is in place, the Determination Committee will investigate all petitions to add individuals to the ban list
Should I assume with this response that while JME had a ban list there were no records kept with that ban list and also all current members of the board of trustees at the Silver Phoenix Society as of 2/27/18 are not informed well enough about the people on that ban list to be able to state if a single individual on that list might deserve a second chance?
Does SPS think that children under the age of 10 belong at an event that has a history of excessive drinking, partial nudity, and intense sexual situations? 2015's Wicked Faire was so wild staff had to take to twitter to remind con attendee's that empty classrooms were not available for sex.
The Silver Phoenix Society sets appropriate age limits and guidelines for all of its events. Any event that would include adult situations would be stated as such. We can not comment on how previous ownership chooses to run its events.
Tammy, Amy, Micheal, Jesse, why did Just Magical Events choose to allow an under age attendee? Tammy, Amy, Michael, Jesse, who made the decision to allow an underage, possibly unticketed person into the event? Tammy, Amy, Micheal, Jesse, were there any other underage or unticketed individuals allowed into the event?
What is SPS's policy regarding harassment of hotel staff at events?
The Code of Conduct is still being developed but based on our most recent draft that would be a violation of the code in multiple ways. Harassment is a violation, as is doing anything that may inhibit our ability to run future events or damage our relationship with the hotel. Violations are subject to immediate ejection from the event and possible ban from future events based on the findings of the Determination Committee.
Is there a copy of the code of conduct that the general public can see?
How will SPS be vetting volunteers moving forward?
This policy has not yet been determined. Volunteers are generally not placed in sensitive positions. They are generally used to do things like carrying items from place to place or check badges. Most events do not have a particular vetting process for volunteers. Given that we operate under stricter scrutiny than other events, we are considering what process we should adopt.
The Silver Phoenix Society is a non profit, everyone is a volunteer, so how are you going to be vetting people going forward?
Who was the con attendee that was a sex offender? Someone asked that in a deleted thread and was told to message Tammy privately, nothing has been said about this since.
The Silver Phoenix Society takes the safety of its patrons, talent, and volunteers very seriously. The sex offender was not an attendee, he was a potential security volunteer and he was told before the event happened that he was not allowed to attend because of that. He was then added to the ban list due to his status as a level 3 sex offender.
While the discussion of a sex offender on the volunteer crew for security was happening another concerned party asked about an attendee who was a sex offender as well. Tammy directed that concerned party to privately message her and then that part of the conversation stopped, is it safe to assume that the private conversation was just Ms. Shipps informing that concerned party that there was no sex offender in attendance as an attendee? Can she actually guarantee that?
A suggestion was made to post all vital information on the JME website, that was agreed to and then it never happened, why was something promised and never followed through?
Not knowing who made this suggestion, who agreed to it, and what is meant by vital information in the question. I cannot comment on why it did not occur.
Tammy, three weeks ago Keiran posted a suggestion to your personal facebook page, it was suggested that going forward all vital information be posted to the official website or blog that is being used by whatever company name is being used as the “official” company, you agreed that this could be done and would be done, why hasn’t it been?
Who released the statement that Voltaire wouldn't be performing?
The post had initially been setup in case Voltaire was unable to perform. We don't know at this time who released it. After speaking with everyone it could have been, we suspect it was either a Facebook bug, Facebook caching issue, or similar. There are no audit logs available to check and Facebook support was unable to help.
So this same response was originally given to the question asked below, now that answer has changed to reflect a more truthful answer, will this answer change later to reflect a more truthful answer?
Who edited the JME page to block me initially?
The decision was made by myself along with Ms. Shipps. You were blocked for asking a series of questions in an increasingly belligerent and offensive tone. At the time, we were in the process of concluding negotiations to take over SPWF and the other JME properties, get incorporated and generally complete 9 months of work in two weeks and were trying to focus on the task at hand. We later chose to unblock you in the interest of creating an open dialog.
Amy, if this answer is correct, why the charade that you didn’t know who did the blocking? Tammy and Michael, if she didn’t know, why did you allow Amy to believe that nobody knew what was up with that, why did you decide to keep her in the dark?
Who is running the Steampunk Cuisine page on Facebook?
To the best of our knowledge, the previous owner runs it.
And that is?
What steps is SPS taking to keep it's enterprise sustainable, the previous company operated at a loss for most events, what is going to be different?
The Silver Phoenix Society has taken steps to set up our organization so we have accountability and transparency in our budgets, expenditures, and finances.
Those steps are?
Why did Tammy post a partially visible phone number?
The amount of information released would have been compliant with HIPPA regulations. In spite of that, Ms. Shipps has issued a public apology to Ms. Williams.
Tammy, why do you believe that compliance with “HIPPA” (I hope you mean HIPAA) is necessary for a educational non profit that will be putting on entertainment events? Tammy, can you show us where this public apology is stated? The person in question can’t remember being apologized to. Also, did you check with that person as to their pronouns before gendering them here?
Why hasn't she apologized for that yet?
As stated in the previous question Ms. Shipps has apologized.
The person in question is not aware of an apology
Why hasn't she said anything about that at all?
As stated in the previous questions. Ms. Shipps has apologized, addressing the issue at hand.
The person in question is not aware of an apology and I’m not aware of a public apology, since this is an important issue it should probably be easy to find. Can Ms. Shipps show us where this public apology has been made?
What security is in place for the Steampunk Art Show?
The Silver Phoenix Society took over the event in the last week. We will be reviewing every element of the show to ensure that the property of any presenters can be kept secure. We will not host a program where we can not provide reasonable security for the people and property involved. As is standard practice for our organization.
The Silver Phoenix Society was Just Magical Events, which was Jeff Mach Events, are you saying the entire board has collective amnesia about what the event was doing two weeks ago?
What changes will be made to prevent theft, since the last time there was an art show stuff got stolen?
We will be reviewing every element of the show to ensure that the property of any presenters can be kept secure. We will not host a program where we cannot provide reasonable security for the people and property involved. As is standard practice for our organization.
Is SPS affiliated in any way with Dark Side of The Con?
The Silver Phoenix Society has no formal involvement or association with Dark Side of the Con.
Are any former JME staff/volunteers working that event as part of SPS?
No.
Are any former JME staff/volunteers working that event independently?
Yes. For any further information, you will have to consult with Vampire Freaks who runs Dark Side of the Con.
Is SPS legally a non profit? Which designation?
Silver Phoenix Society Inc is a Domestic Non-Profit Corporation, incorporated under the laws of the state of New Jersey as of February 19th, 2018. It is a common misconception that a domestic non-profit corporation must have an IRS designation. The process is actually that you file for the domestic corporation which is a relatively rapid and simple process, then you file for the IRS designation which is a lengthy process. We have begun that process and it is underway. As a non-profit, the events themselves exist to promote learning, free expression of creativity, and understanding of all aspects of geek and counter-culture. The non-profit status allows the events to continue to exist and generate more events of this type, not a paycheck for anyone running them. However, we are also currently exploring the possibility of using a percentage of the proceeds that don't go back into the events directly but go into a charity or grants that align with Silver Phoenix Society's Mission. Furthermore, through Silver Phoenix Society's transparency, everyone is going to witness exactly how much these events cost to put on so you'll have a clearer understanding of the process we go through, both financially and logistically.
Which IRS designation is the Silver Phoenix Society planning to file for? What specific charities or grants align with Silver Phoenix Society’s mission? Currently there is a 10k dollar allowance for Steampunk World’s Fair, that is for funds needed from 2/19/18 into the future, how much money has gone into Steampunk World’s Fair before 2/19/18? Is any of that 10k allowance slotted aside to refund the chocolate tastings that have been sold?
If you are a 501c3, can you show your Form 1023?
It is a common misconception that a domestic non-profit corporation must have an IRS designation. The process is actually that you file for the domestic corporation which is a relatively rapid and simple process, then you file for the IRS designation which is a lengthy process. We have begun that process and it is underway
Can you show your Form 1023?
What is Jessie G.'s actual job?
That is a question you will need to ask Mr. Guillen. Within the organization, he is a Trustee serving on the Board of Trustees. No other role has presently been assigned to him.
So, Jesse is a member of the board of trustees for Silver Phoenix Society, I was led to believe that the questions that I posed to the [email protected] email would be asked of all members of the board, if Mr. Guillen can not answer this question, why was I directed to ask all questions to this email? If this question can’t be answered because nobody asked Mr. Guillen, then why is an answer being put out publicly, ask Mr. Guillen and then post his answer.
How long has Jessie G. been with Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, Silver Phoenix Society?
To my knowledge, Jessie Guillen is no longer with his former employer. He has been on the Board of the Silver Phoenix Society since February 20th, 2018. He worked with his previous employer in some capacity since 2012.
Again, ask this question directly of Jesse Guillen, and post his answer. Also the word “employer” is used here in reference to Jeff Mach Events and Just Magical Events, was Jesse G. being paid by either of those two companies in an employer/employee type relationship? Did Mr. Guillen feel that he was an employee of Jeff Mach Events or Just Magical Events? What made him feel that way?
How is someone allowed to be the President and Treasurer of a non profit?
The laws of the state of New Jersey, and most states allow one individual to hold multiple or even all officer roles. It is also not strictly necessary for a non-profit to have by-laws. One person can have more than one position because that person is the most qualified candidate for both positions and the involved stakeholders do not object to the arrangement. In our particular organization, there are two reasons why there is no problem with Ms. Shipps holding both roles. The Silver Phoenix Society has made sure to have checks and balances within it’s bylaws.
The enumerated powers of The President are as follows:
4.1.1. Calling and chairing meetings of the Board of Trustees
4.1.2. Negotiating on behalf of and speaking for the Organization, while keeping the Board informed of the progress of negotiations. Final agreements must be bound by a vote of the Board.
4.1.3. Signing authority on behalf of the Organization with consent of the Board of Trustees So, she can call meetings, she can negotiate, but not actually close deals, and she can sign things that the Board has agreed to through the processes laid out in our by-laws and policies.
The other fact is that Ms. Shipps has personally put $42,000 into the organization. I expect that we will have a separate treasurer in the near future.
Which organization has Ms. Shipps put $42,000 dollars into?
Nobody else seems really concerned that the person putting the most money into a non profit is now the president and treasurer (who is responsible for the disbursement of those monies) as of right now there is no set timeline to transfer additional people to this board and arrive at a more steady balance of power.
Who is "the lawyer" SPS talks about?
Wesley Fenza.
How did Wesley Fenza become the Silver Phoenix Society’s lawyer? What process was gone through to choose him?
Who is Jeff's lawyer, is he the same one that SPS refers to or a different one?
The lawyer who represents the previous owner is a different lawyer, than that of The Silver Phoenix Society, and would be required to be so because two separate lawyers needed to negotiate the transfer of assets.
Who is Jeff’s lawyer? Who is the lawyer for Jeff Mach Events and Just Magical Events?
Who is Alexi Vandenberg?
Alexi Vandenberg is our public relations consultant.
How did the Silver Phoenix Society choose Alexi to be the public relations consultant? Is Alexi a paid public relations consultant?
Does he have a CV or resume that he can provide?
His CV is readily available on his website or Linkedin.
Can you provide a link to Alexi Vandenberg’s website or Linkedin?
Has he signed an NDA?
There is an expectation of confidentiality in the relationship between a PR consultant and his client.
Tammy, has Alexi Vandenberg signed an NDA with Jeff Mach, Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, or the Silver Phoenix Society?
Have any of the new SPS members signed an NDA?
At present none of the Trustees have signed an NDA. In any professional organization, for-profit or non-profit, there is an expectation of discretion in the sharing of internal information. General members will not be expected to sign an NDA.
Have any voting members of the Silver Phoenix Society signed an NDA?
What did Alexi do to "save wicked faire"?
Alexi organized and directed our communication in order to make sure the event was run in a coherent matter. The success of the event was predominantly due to the fact that Alexi kept the lines of communication open.
Will Joan Mach be making any more financial donations to Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, or Silver Phoenix Society?
We can not speak for other organizations. Joan Mach has no association with The Silver Phoenix Society.
Will Joan Mach be making any financial donations to the Silver Phoenix Society? Will the Silver Phoenix Society accept any financial donations to the Silver Phoenix Society from Joan Mach or anyone else who is related to Jeff Mach?
Who is Wesley Fenza?
The attorney who filed the incorporation papers for Silver Phoenix Society.
Wesley Fenza is a polyamory friendly lawyer who has ties to the Philadelphia BDSM community, why was he chosen to be the lawyer for an educational non profit for geeks?
Does he have a resume he can provide?
His credentials are available through his website.
Can you provide a link to Mr. Fenza’s website?
What did he do to be chosen as the registered agent for SPS?
Wesley Fenza has substantial experience as an attorney.
Can you list what experience Mr. Fenza has that convinced the Silver Phoenix Society to select him as their attorney?
Has he supplied any financial backing to this endeavor?
Wesley Fenza was paid for his service as an attorney and has not supplied any financial backing to The Silver Phoenix Society or its events.
Did Mr. Fenza supply any financial backing to Wicked Faire:Reborn 2018, either to Jeff Mach, Jeff Mach Events, Just Magical Events, or Tammy Shipps? How was Mr. Fenza paid for his service as an attorney, which funds what he paid out of?